Dairy Cow Lighting Questionnaire

Posted by Dr. Steve Dudley on January 01 2005 00:00

1. What is the foot candle reading 3 feet above the feed bunk?

   Requirements for Achieving Effects of Long-Day Lighting:

   20 foot candles

2. How long are the lights left on during the day? Is a timer used?

   Requirements for Achieving Long-Day Lighting Effect:

   16-18 hours/day (need 6-8 hours of dark)

   (More hours of light will decrease effect)

3. How many hours is a dry cow exposed to >10 foot candles of light per day?

   Requirement for Short-Day Lighting for Dry Cows:

   Prefer 12 hours dark/12 hours light, Or natural lighting

Benefits of Long-Day Lighting in Lactating Cows:

1. Increase milk production 5-16%
   (typical response is 5 pounds)
   This change occurs over several weeks
2. Increase feed intake by 6%
3. Improved safety for farm workers

Benefits of Short-Day Lighting in Dry Cows:

1. Increased milk production during lactation of 7#/day
2. Enhanced immune system function